I agree with the excercise part. I think akitas need to be walked at least 30 minutes a day; they have so much energy. My akita mutt does protect her family and turf, which is why I love akitas very much. She does; however, pick on her brother, who is a sheltie a lot. lol

Sugar is a pretty dog. My dog is a mixed as well. She is akita, husky, and lab. She is pretty wild when she finds things to attract her attention. She is playful, but she doesn't mess with any kid. She is very good with kids that kids often bother her. lol

I have an akita and a sheltie. My akita is calm with my sheltie most of the time. In fact, the only time she gets aggressive with my sheltie is when she is playing or trying to show dominace-a common trait from most akitas. My dog is usually calm and relaxed in doors until she senses something outside that she should bark about. I figure my akita gets along indoors.
It is outdoors that is very hard to train an akita. It seems that my akita has a short attentionspand. My akita easily gets distracted with other animals such as cats and other dogs. If I was you, don't let your akita off the leash outdoors until you have it properly trained. I know that my akita won't listen to me until she has tired herself out running when she is off the leash.